Bishop Marcellino Taiji Tani of Saitama is affirming that life is a gift from God, as his country suffers from the effects of a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami.
The death count is already at 1,800, with thousands missing after Friday’s quake some 80 miles off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, which sent a 33-foot tsunami inland.
As one of the consequences of the natural disaster, there have been a series of nuclear accidents in the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant. An estimated 200,000 people were evacuated due to possible partial nuclear meltdowns.
Monday, an explosion at one of the reactor buildings injured 11 people.
Bishop Tani assured Fides that “the Church in Japan will respond to the tragedy.”
“Of particular concern to us is the situation of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima,” he said. “But we must take courage, with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
The prelate reported that on Sunday, the faithful throughout the country dedicated time at Mass to remember the victims, the wounded and the displaced.
“As a Christian community, we are ready with prayer and solidarity,” he added.
Bishop Tani continued: “This sad event reminds us that life is in the hands of God and that life is a gift from God.
“It will be a challenge for all of us to practice and witness to the commandment of love and brotherly love, in this time of Lent.”
SAITAMA, Japan, MARCH 14, 2011 (Zenit.org)